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We hope to assist patients, as well as family, and friends of those who suffer from Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy (RSD) or more recently known as Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS). This organization was formed in July 1990; and since then, has sent information regarding RSD/CRPS to hundreds of thousands patients and professionals worldwide. The free information we offer will help educate and inform you, your family, friends as well as your physician regarding the signs, symptoms, diagnosis and the latest methods of treatment for RSD/CRPS.
RSD Article # 13
The following article was published in the book Clinical Aspects of Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy, written by Dr. Peter Veldmand from the Department of Surgery, University Hospital Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
Below is an abstract from Chapter 9 from the book Clinical Aspects of Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy.
Please click on the link below to view the full text of this article in PDF-format.
MULTIPLE REFLEX SYMPATHETIC DYSTROPHY Which patients are at risk for developing a recurrence of reflex sympathetic dystrophy in the same or another limb?
Peter H.J.M. Veldman M.D. R. Jan A.Goris M.D., Ph.D.
Department of Surgery, University Hospital Nijmegen, The Netherlands
Submitted
ABSTRACT
Many aspects of bilateral presentation or recurrence of reflex sympathetic dystrophy (RSD) are unknown.
Method: For this reason 1183 consecutive patients with RSD were analyzed.
Results:In 10 patients RSD started in symmetrical limbs. In 34 patients RSD recurred in the same limb after a period of no or few complaints and in 78 patients RSD recurred in one or more limbs other than the first limb. Compared to 1065 patients with RSD without these features, these patients were younger of age (p = 0.00003) and RSD started more frequently with a cold skin temperature (p = 0.02). Patients did not differ in gender or primary localization of RSD. Involvement of a second limb concerned in 47% the symmetrical limb. Recurrences were in 53% of spontaneous origin and often characterized by few signs and symptoms. The incidence of a recurrence was 1.8% per patient/year. No measures are known to prevent recurrence.
Conclusion:Reflex sympathetic dystrophy may recur in the same or in another limb, though only in a minority of patients. Recurrences occur especially in younger patients and in the symmetrical limb. Diagnosis of a recurrence is difficult, for often the recurrence occurs spontaneously and presents with few signs and symptoms.
Peter H.J.M. Veldman, M.D., et, al. Multiple Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy- Which Patients Are At Risk For Developing A Recurrence Of Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy In The Same Or Another Limb? Thesis-Clinical Aspects of Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy, Chapter 9: 109-115.
